I stroked my chin, looking at the system window.
'The third version of the Karma Shop.'
How much had he benefited from the 「Karma Shop Ver.2 Update」? Both the 『VIP Market』, which offered special items useful for Awakened, and 『Item Purchase』, which allowed him to easily acquire items from other dimensions, had been of great help. So he couldn't help but have high expectations for the upgraded shop…
"…I didn't expect this."
I stared blankly at the list with a dumbfounded expression. The shop generally retained the previous version's format, with a few new additions. But as I cheerfully checked the changes one by one, something suddenly caught my attention—
『Item Purchase – View Details』
└Auterica
└Demon Realm
└Earth
'Earth?'
The word 'Earth' was clearly displayed in the menu that previously only listed items from other worlds.
"…So, I can buy things from Earth with karma?"
It wasn't a significant benefit in itself. With his current influence, he could easily acquire most items without using karma. Using Earth currency was more cost-effective than karma, which had limited acquisition methods.
'But that's not the point. The question is why this change occurred.'
The Karma Shop had always maintained a clear boundary with Earth. Awakened typically encountered it after being transported to another world. And once they chose to 'return' to Earth after accumulating 1 million karma, the Karma Shop disappeared, and the opportunity to use it was gone forever.
'I'm an exception, since I've bypassed the system.'
After awakening his unique skill, he was technically transported to another world, but he remained on Earth. That contradiction was the reason he could freely use the system.
'Let's see.'
I browsed the 'Earth' category with a serious expression. Since he was familiar with the menu, it didn't take him long to check its scope. And his conclusion was…
"Wow, they sell fighter jets and aircraft carriers? And this? A space shuttle? They don't sell nukes, do they… they do?!"
The Karma Shop had everything. But the cost-effectiveness compared to mystical items was terrible.
"I can buy an adult dragon heart for under 2 million, and a fighter jet costs 100,000? An empty aircraft carrier costs over 10 million? Who would buy this?"
Still, the fact that he could buy them was significant. He sighed, averting his gaze from the nukes.
'What does the system want from me?'
This vast, multiversal system wanted something from him. Perhaps discovering the system bypass wasn't just a coincidence. The same went for 『Karma Shop Ver.3』.
The 『VIP Market』 now offered an 『Invitation (1,000,000)』 to forcibly awaken ordinary Earthlings and a 『Return Ticket (2,000,000)』 to pay for an Awakened's return. There were also convenient items like 『Odin's Eye』 to view Earth and 『Hermes' Footsteps』 for teleportation…
He realized the theme of this update.
'Everything is Earth-related.'
As if he was finally allowed to interfere with Earth. And the reason was probably this:
『Karma Market Share (5%)』
A sentence at the bottom of the Karma Shop. He narrowed his eyes.
'Share. Of what? The system? Earth? Other dimensions? What happens at 100%? Just collect karma? Usable points? Total accumulated points?'
His mind raced. He had been focused on destroying Cheonbuhoe, and now this. But he instinctively knew:
'Whatever it is, I need to increase it.'
It must be related to his actions. Wasn't the Cheonbuhoe leader doing the same? He had godlike power on Earth, but still collected karma from other dimensions. What if it was for this 'share'?
'…I can't let him.'
He nodded slowly, postponing the divine fragment purchase. He would wait for a price drop… or use it as a trump card.
Buzz Buzz
His smartphone vibrated, a notification for an urgent email from 'CCTV', a report from Andrew Weber. He opened it with a serious expression. The email contained reports and attached news articles. Using 「Xenoglossy」, he quickly read the originals, and his eyebrows twitched.
"A demon?"
Reports of demon sightings in Southeast Asia. News articles were being taken down, suggesting information control. The report highlighted the link between the demon and Cheonbuhoe.
'A demon…'
He tapped the table, lost in thought. What a coincidence, having just fought countless demons in the Demon Realm.
'If this is true, he's not ordinary.'
Demonic power users on Earth weren't unusual. Some Earthlings in other worlds resorted to anything to survive, and demonic contracts were a way to gain power.
'…But it's risky.'
If taken over, they lost their Awakened status. Those who returned after making contracts were exceptionally skilled. Even borrowing power was difficult, let alone becoming a full demon like Ken.
'And he's roaming near Singapore, my next target?'
The 'true demon' in the report was clearly extraordinary. Andrew's inability to detect him with 「Trace Observation」, despite his skill being enhanced multiple times, added to his credibility. The report was based on circumstantial evidence.
'At least Marquis level… maybe even Demon King level.'
The estimated power level varied greatly, but that was unavoidable without direct observation. The detailed report was commendable, considering the circumstances.
'I should give him a raise. I'll need him for more work.'
He faintly heard Andrew pleading for a vacation instead of money… but it must be his imagination. No one would refuse more money.
"This is unexpected. I didn't think I'd find them like this."
Andrew added another detail to his report: a faction struggling against the demon and its affiliated organization. It was information gleaned indirectly while tracking the demon.
'So they exist. Others resisting Cheonbuhoe. Although their situation doesn't seem good.'
'The Burning Torch'. A secret society he found while fighting his lonely battle. A group with the same goal as him.
In a dilapidated house filled with junk,
"Cough—! Hack, hack!"
A harsh cough erupted from a corner. The person tried to suppress it, but it was no use. It wasn't an ordinary cough.
"Are you okay, Ann? Maybe you should rest…"
A well-built man spoke cautiously, but the black-haired woman, curled up and trembling, only shook her head, pressing a blood-soaked handkerchief to her lips.
"Whew— Whew."
After a while,
She took a deep breath, carefully sat up, and a blue flame flickered in her hand, cleanly burning away the blood on the handkerchief. The handkerchief turned from red to white in an instant. She carefully put it away and sighed deeply.
"You know we can't. If I rest even for a moment, this place will be discovered."
"…But even just for a bit…"
"No. How many comrades have we lost because of such complacency?"
The man couldn't argue with her blunt reply. As she said, they were in a precarious situation, where a short rest could become eternal. They would have been killed long ago if it wasn't for her.
"…Sorry. If only I had the power to fight that demon…"
"Don't be ridiculous. Three superhumans have already died fighting that demon. Even with traps and coordinated attacks. You'll just be another corpse."
Her tone was sarcastic to discourage him from recklessness, but her green eyes held concern. The demon that forced them to scatter and flee was that dangerous.
"I hope the others are safe… Damn that snake bastard! Calling his friends during a one-on-one fight! Where's your honor?!"
Ann, focusing her mind to maintain her powers while catching her breath, finally exploded. It was understandable, as the organization that had been moving towards hope was shattered because of those who suddenly intervened.
"Ugh, if it wasn't for that damn Oracle hag, we could have handled the Executioner."
They couldn't guarantee victory, but they could have retreated with minimal casualties and regrouped. It would have been much better than being scattered and forced to flee from the Philippines to Vietnam like this.
"…Phew! Calm down, calm down. I have to stay calm."
She took deep breaths to calm her anger. The lives of those here, and the scattered comrades, depended on her powers.
"Where are Becky and Dolla?"
Just then, she frowned, realizing that those who went out to scout hadn't returned yet. Normally, she could easily sense their locations, but she couldn't spare the energy now, as she was using all her power to distract the Oracle.
"Wait."
"…Jose?"
The well-built man stepped in front of Ann, who was grumbling.
Sniff
He sniffed the air and unleashed a sharp aura. Then, with a serious expression, he spoke quietly.
"A demon."
"No way…! How? Because I got angry earlier? No, that can't be…"
"We've been identified. He's coming straight towards us."
Her face hardened at Jose's quiet words. Their location being discovered wasn't a trivial matter. It put not only them but all the scattered members of 'Burning Torch' in danger. As she gritted her teeth in self-blame, the presence continued to approach the dilapidated house, accompanied by unmuffled footsteps. Jose's body began to grow, his hair standing on end. And the moment he took the form of a bipedal beast—
"Phew, I finally found you. He tells me to just give him directions from a comfortable place. Does that make any sense?"
A man entered the house, opening the door.
"That damn human… his way of ordering people around is similar to our Demon King… must be my imagination."
Grumbling without a hint of caution,
He noticed the two before him radiating hostility and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Ahem, so—"
The uninvited guest cleared his throat and, using the demon's unique communication ability, greeted them.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Miyamoto Ken."
His greeting was filled with warmth, directed at the Earthlings he was meeting after a long time.
"I've come to save you from despair."
But unfortunately, his sincerity didn't reach them. Only a hairy fist answered his greeting.